Vertical Flight Terminal Operational Procedures. A Summary of FAA Research and Development.

摘要

Common-carrier operations by helicopters are becoming increasingly routine. Prospects for their future utilization are promising as the variety of uses continues to grow and public acceptance expands. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and industry are working to more fully integrate vertical flight vehicles in to the National Airspace System (NAS). Rotorcraft, including tiltrotor, tiltwing, and helicopters, are unique and each offers potential benefits that may provide relief to the delay problems being experienced throughout the NAS. Before these advantages can be fully exploited, a myriad of untested areas must be explored through research and development (R and D) activities to prove their viability. One important area is safety in terminal area operations. Safety includes such diversified subjects as approach and departure procedures, one-engine-inoperative (OEI) operations, loss of engine during critical flight phases, and landing site qualifications and capabilities. Pilot qualification, training of pilots and ground service personnel, precision approach glideslope angles, obstruction avoidance, etc., are also important safety concerns. Some of these topics have been addressed, others are currently under investigation, while others are still in the planning stages.